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From Battlefield to Mass Effect: How one engine is shaping the future of EA Games
After crossing under the elevated railroad viaduct that bisects a lush Azerbaijani forest from an industrial landscape, a squad of American soldiers gazes out at the valley that lies below. A saw-toothed horizon of half-assembled buildings juts out in the distance. It's almost peaceful. Hundreds of seagulls chatter lazily overhead, blissfully unaware that the ensuing firefight will leave the seemingly forgotten structures looking somehow even worse for wear. Whole facades crumble under the hellfire of a military attack chopper. A grenade launcher's explosive payload immediately contradicts the seemingly harmless thud it makes upon exiting the weapon's chamber. An enemy scrambles for a new safe haven; his earlier hiding place no longer exists. By scene's end, all that's left are roiling flames and caustic black smoke. This scene from the Battlefield 4 trailer was how the world, perhaps unwittingly, met Frostbite Engine 3, the next-gen toolset powering all of Electronic Arts' non-sports games for the foreseeable future.
SimCity's Red Cross charity pack aids real-world disaster victims
SimCity fans know nothing feels better than saving their other family from pollution and sickness -- except, you know, helping out some fellow human beings. A new collaboration with the Red Cross combines players' digital altruism with humanitarian aid for real-world disaster victims. Starting today, you'll be able to purchase a $9.99 "charity pack" created specifically for the game, with a relief center, tents and two emergency response vehicles. In the event of a meteor strike, earthquake or tornado, the Red Cross tents will automatically appear to provide aid for injured Sims, and a fleet of ambulances and fire trucks will be on call as well. SimCity creator EA Games has pledged to contribute at least 80 percent of profits (a minimum of $100,000) from the charity pack to the Red Cross National Societies. The set will be available for a year, and you'll be able to keep it through the life of your current game. Currently, the pack is only available for players in 10 countries, including Denmark, France, the US and the UK.
EA to end Online Pass program, cites player disapproval
Remember EA's Online Pass program? If you've ever purchased one of the company's games used, it probably rings a bell. The system was devised in 2010 as a way for the company to collect revenue from used game sales, requiring players of second-hand software to pay an additional fee to unlock multiplayer content. Now, EA says the program has run its course. "Many players didn't respond to the format," the company told GamesBeat. "None of our new EA titles will include that feature." The industry still isn't completely sure how to handle used game sales, but at least this unpopular program is at an end.
Origin for Mac enters open Alpha, testers gifted with free copy of Bookworm
Is your MacBook Pro pulling double duty as a gaming machine? EA wants your attention -- it's launching the Mac Alpha of Origin, its digital distribution service. EA is hoping to have the service ready by March, when it will release SimCity for PC and Mac, successively. For now, though, the client is limited -- barring testers from visiting the Origin store, and instead inviting them to launch Bookworm from the client, a puzzle game that's free for users who install the Alpha. The company promises a more complete catalog of EA and partner games when the client officially launches, but didn't drop any specific titles. The service still has some catching up to do, compared to its closest competitor -- but better late than never, right?
Mass Effect moaners kinda get their own way as people power strikes again
SPOILERS. Who can't name a beloved TV series that didn't end the way you wanted? BSG? Lost? Sapphire and Steel? Blake's Seven? Quantum Leap? The Sopranos? All of which ended either with tear-inducing bum-notes or confusing conclusions that caused furious head scratching. Despite that, the traditional reaction is to say "Well, I didn't enjoy that, but I respect the writer's artistic decision." Not so for gamers who felt short-changed by the intentionally devastating conclusion to Mass Effect 3. Fans of the game poured their outrage online, developer BioWare saying that the feedback it had received was "incredibly painful." A fan campaign that raised $80,000 in under a fortnight for Child's Play was enough to make the team behind the title concede defeat against the geo-political disruptor that is the internet with a cause. The company is now devoting all of its efforts to producing an "extended cut" DLC for the summer, but fans expecting a fourth ending where they can watch Commander Shepard on a sun-lounger, margarita in hand had better start complaining now -- the new content will only offer more depth and an extended epilogue to those tragic scenes you've already witnessed. SPOILERS END
Grand Theft Auto 3, Burnout Crash, new PopCap title coming to iOS
This week not only brought iOS 5 to us, but it also brought a number of solid releases on the App Store (including the great Scribblenauts Remix). We're far from done, however: A few different big gaming companies have announced some really high profile iOS releases still coming later on this year. First up, Rockstar Games is going to be releasing (the now 10-year-old classic) Grand Theft Auto 3 on iOS for the game's anniversary. GTA3 was the first title in the series to make the jump to 3D, and it's a landmark title in the open world crime genre that's been copied over and over since then. The game will be compatible with the iPhone 4S and the iPad 2, and it'll be playable this weekend at the New York Comic Con. EA Games has also announced that the XBLA and PSN title Burnout Crash is coming to the iPad, iPad 2, and iPhone 4 later on this year. Burnout Crash is an arcade-style title that turns the popular Burnout racing series in a more puzzle-style game, where you try to crash as many cars as possible from a top-down perspective. The game didn't do great on the other downloadable platforms, but maybe touch controls will help it out. And finally, PopCap, makers of the terrific Plants vs. Zombies and Bejeweled titles, among others, have announced that they're releasing a brand new iOS game called Popcorn Dragon. The player controls a dragon that can breathe fire on corn to pop it, and then can eat that corn to grow longer, kind of like the old game Snake. The screens on that one look... interesting -- we'll have to wait and see how it turns out. Then again, PopCap always seems to know what it's doing. All three of these are due out on iOS later on this year.
Battleship HD app lets you sink ships on your iPad
You sank my battleship! Oh those sweet, sweet words. We've been longing to hear them since we set up camp behind our iPad, and Electronic Arts has just answered our cries. That's right, the Battleship HD app is now available for download on your iOS slab, featuring a multiple-player mode, which pits you against friends (and presumably foes) packing an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. It's also got a single-player mode, available in three flavors: Classic, Salvo, and Super Weapons. Now go forth and drop bombs! The iPad app is now available at the source link for $3.
BlackBerry PlayBook to ship with full versions of Tetris and Need For Speed: Undercover (video)
EA Sports isn't one to give things away, but that's exactly what it's doing on RIM's BlackBerry PlayBook. We still haven't heard a concrete ship date for this thing, but EA swears up and down that these two titles will be finalized by the time it goes to market. Both Tetris and Need For Speed: Undercover will come pre-loaded on the device, with both being full, unabridged versions; in fact, NFS will feature a new mode specifically designed for getting into the game quickly on this very tablet. Smartly, there's even a "slo mo" mode which slows everything down to enable accurate control even during hectic rides on the subway. We've lauded the PlayBook before, but we were duly impressed with just how well this thing handled multitasking. Even with NFS running in the background, we were able to play back a video in the foreground with nary a bit of lag during the transition. Tetris was predictably Tetris, and it only works when holding the slate vertically. We've got to confess that the inclusion of these two titles is quite the gesture, and considering the first four letters of this product's name, we'd say it's more than fitting. Hop on down to see a demonstration video of both, showcased here at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. %Gallery-116754%
TUAW's Daily App: Heroes Lore
Back when EA premiered its list of upcoming App Store titles, one stood out for me: Heroes Lore III is now out on the App Store for US$1.99. This one's interesting -- it's a Korean RPG that's been translated over to the iPhone. If you've ever played any of the old 16-bit Super Nintendo RPGs like Secret of Mana, you'll know how this one works. You can level up and fight enemies in real time while using various abilities and gearing your way up through a sizable story. There are five classes to play with, and two different factions to fight for, as well as the ability to battle other players along the way. Early reviews say the controls are a little wonky, so you might end up wrestling with the iPhone's touchscreen a bit. Some of the classes are a little unbalanced, too. Not all of them work as well as others, so you'll probably find a few favorites and stick with those. Still, it's very interesting to see EA bring a game like this to the App Store. If you're a fan of those old RPGs on the 16-bit systems, you'll probably enjoy this one. It's available for just a few bucks right now.
Angry Birds publisher Chillingo acquired for $20 million
In the wake of such huge news from Apple today, it's hard to concentrate on anything else. Here's one story you won't want to miss, though: Chillingo, the publisher behind the wildly popular game Angry Birds, was acquired by EA Games for a cool $20 million in cash. Not to worry, though, because Angry Birds isn't going anywhere. The rights to the game are actually owned by the developer, Rovio, who updated his Twitter profile earlier today to clarify that Angry Birds was not part of the sale and will not be controlled development-wise by EA. Even so, it's no secret that the App Store's most popular game of all time certainly helped to sway EA towards this acquisition. With many successful apps available, Chillingo probably looked pretty delicious to all of the big fish in the game industry who were hoping to cash in on the mobile market. Now, it's time to fire up Angry Birds and do some additional research on the story. What? Why are you giving me that look? Yes, I'm working!
Rock Band 3 keyboard hands-on (video)
The internet at large has been joking about it long enough -- "hey, where's Keyboard Hero?" Well, here it is, and it's pretty killer. We're on the fence on how to describe our experience with Rock Band 3's not-a-keytar, because in many ways it's reflective of your own thoughts on the rhythm genre and pianos in general. Those with actual musical backgrounds are likely to scoff at the easy mode's use of five arbitrary keys for the tune -- not the groupings you see above, but a different set of colors, one per white note in the right half, with indicators just above the notes on that crevice between the top panel and keys themselves (picture's after the break). Even if the actual song calls for a F# note, hitting a F or even a B might be called for instead. It's a mentality that's as old as the genre, that what we're really doing is pantomiming instruments -- or in the case of drums, just hitting key notes and letting the game fill in the blanks on lower difficulties. This, however, is an actual piano. The over-simplification is probably a necessary illusion in standard mode -- or even when the keyboard is used as a replacement guitar / bass -- but having actual proper keys will probably drive the more musically apt insane. Then again, if you're not of that mindset, none of this will probably bother you at all, so feel free to ignore our impressions and bang away. Pro mode, on the other hand is pretty killer, for all the reasons that standard mode can be irksome. Even at the simplest levels, you're actually getting to play proper notation. Perfect for us, no matter how badly we flubbed up "Crosstown Traffic" on Expert. Sight-reading is a challenge, but nothing worse than actual notation. As we've seen before, the main lane doesn't show all two octaves, but the warning we're given before shifting to the right or left is easy enough to follow, but just like when you first grabbed the plastic axe, expect a good bit of adjustment frustration. See more pics below, and video after the break. Update: Clarification added to the different color groupings used for Pro and Standard mode. %Gallery-95363%
EA, Ubisoft execs applaud PS3 price cut, also like things that are good
Well, this one doesn't exactly come out of left field, but it looks like gaming industry execs are starting to sing a decidedly different tune now that Sony has finally cut the price of the PS3. Speaking with GamesIndustry.biz, Ubisoft bigwig Yves Guillemot said that "it's exceptional news, actually," adding that "I think the machine is a great machine, with the Blu-ray." EA Games president Frank Gibeau was also apparently more than happy to back up that praise, saying that, "I think it's awesome," and that "it's an old line, but it still rings true for us: 'We make the ammunition for the hardware wars.' So the lowest priced hardware possible is a good thing for us." Still noticeably mum on the matter, however, is Activision's CEO, who once threatened to pick up his ball and go home if Sony didn't drop its prices. [Via Joystiq]
Video: Beatles Rock Band trailer, screenshots, Ludwig drums unveiled at E3
Today at E3 some seriously awesome Beatles Rock Band awesomeness was unloaded upon the world. In addition to getting a look at the full band set-up, confirming that you will, in fact be able to perform multiple vocals (read: harmonies), Harmonix also showed off the general in-game madness we can expect. We're filled with glee to see that no corners were cut here, and we agree with Ringo's estimation: the game is good. The Beatles: Rock Band will be released simultaneously for XBox 360, PS3 and Wii in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and other territories. Check out the totally rad trailer, our first shot of the Ludwig drums and another screenshot after the break and in the gallery below.
Engadget's recession antidote: win a copy of Need for Speed Undercover for Xbox 360!
This whole global economic crisis, and its resulting massive loss of jobs got us thinking. We here at Engadget didn't want to stand helplessly by, announcing every new round of misery without giving anything back -- so we decided to take the opportunity to spread a little positivity. We'll be handing out a new gadget every day (except for weekends) to lucky readers until we run out of stuff or companies stop sending things. Today we've got a copy of Need for Speed Undercover for Xbox 360 on offer. Read the rules below (no skimming -- we're omniscient and can tell when you've skimmed) and get commenting! The rules: Leave a comment below. Any comment will do, but if you want to share your proposal for "fixing" the world economy, that'd be sweet too. You may only enter this specific giveaway once. If you enter this giveaway more than once you'll be automatically disqualified, etc. (Yes, we have robots that thoroughly check to ensure fairness.) If you enter more than once, only activate one comment. This is pretty self explanatory. Just be careful and you'll be fine. Contest is open to anyone in the 50 States, 18 or older! Sorry, we don't make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so be mad at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad. Winner will be chosen randomly. The winner will receive one (1) copy of Need for Speed Undercover for Xbox 360. If you are chosen, you will be notified by email. Winners must respond within three days of the end of the contest. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen. Entries can be submitted until Thursday, May, 14th, at 11:59PM ET. Good luck! Full rules can be found here.
EA plans a Wii Fit-slaying exercise game?
The Wii Fit might have some competition brewing, if Men's Fitness magazine is a publication worthy of the public's trust, that is. The details are vague, to say the very least but, here's what we "know": Dave Kushner, executive producer at EA Sports, told the magazine that the company is planning an 'unnamed fitness game' with a 'new peripheral' which will connect the Wiimote to the player's body, enabling all sorts of newfangled measurements, movements, and exercises barely dreamed of before. Sounds totally awesome, right? Well, if and when it materializes, we'll be sure to rush to the store, buy one, then sadly rue its unused, guilt-inducing existence every day thereafter.[Via Nintendo Wii Fanboy]
EA Games aiming to bundle peripherals with games
Oh, brother. Let the onslaught begin. Now that games like Rock Band and Guitar Hero have proven to be huge money makers, not to mention how profitable those ridiculous shells for the Wiimote are, we're betting that EA Games is just the next of many that will soon bundle peripherals with games. According to EA's David McCarthy, his firm will be "using a peripheral strategy to some extent, even over the course of the next 12 months." Thankfully, he did note that extras would only be bundled "if it really does enrich the experience of gameplay and doesn't create a barrier to entry for consumers." We can see it now: $80 sports titles that create all sorts of relationship problems with the partner who actually values a kempt living room.[Via Joystiq, image courtesy of HouseOfNintendo]Read - McCarthy speaksRead - McCarthy elaborates
Five Army of Two videos to get your blood pumping
So Army of Two is already out in stores. Haven't picked it up yet? Perhaps these five videos can persuade you otherwise, and get you into the mood for blowing stuff up. Just remember though, make sure you play with a buddy. Why? As if "Army of Two" wasn't enough of a hint. In the videos, you'll get to see the skull-masked duo tear it up merc-stlye on a train, on the highway, in the jungle, or just about anywhere these vagrants are getting paid to go to. The co-op gameplay is a welcomed spin on the usual shooter experience, and we can't say we don't love all the funny remarks shared between these two characters. Check out the rest of the clips right after the break.
Rock Band instruments pursuing solo careers February 12th
In a bit of shocking news today, two members of the Rock Band instruments set (drums, guitar) have declared that come February 12th, they're going solo. Citing "creative differences," and the original bundled guitar's inability to "clean up its act," the two solo pieces will be on their own and available for $79.99 and $59.99, respectively. This should come as good tidings for players who've had trouble getting a bass into the mix (PlayStation 3 gamers), or those who've wanted to rock the drum vs. drum match-ups. No word on whether the microphone will join the fray and walk out on the trio, though rumor has it a number of labels are ready with offers.
EA looks to partner, acquire Asian studios
Industry stalwart Electronic Arts is looking to land a partner in Japan, and who can blame them, what with the region's love of natural beauty and delicious cannibalism. According to a new Financial Times report, the company is entertaining the prospect of partnering with or even acquiring an existing Japanese company, no doubt in order to further EA's well known plans for world domination.The report quoted EA Asia president Jon Niermann, who during an interview at this week's Tokyo Game Show referred to Japan as a "strategic priority" for the company, which already owns a 15 percent stake in Chinese MMO firm The9. Earlier this year the company also invested in South Korean developer Neowiz, establishing the publishing powerhouse as the studio's second largest shareholder.Says the report, the region will still likely play only a minor role in EA's global plans, though Niermann was quick to point out the potential benefit of tapping into established talent in the area, noting that "EA offers a great global distribution opportunity in terms of taking Japanese products to other parts of the world and in turn there are certainly companies that are much better at local development than we've ramped up to be."[Via Gamasutra]
EA says: games industry is boring people to death
The Wall Street Journal is right on the money when they say that Electronic Arts became the world's largest publisher by creating sequel after sequel of familiar franchises. So it must have come as quite a shock when John Riccitiello, the recently (as of April) reinstated chief executive of EA, sat down and told them that the games industry is "boring people to death and making games that are harder and harder to play."Criticizing an industry that EA helped to mold, Riccitiello worries that the industry as a whole, including EA Games, creates too many games that lack innovation. He also urges publishers to experiment by looking beyond the typical $50-60 disc with 40-plus hours of play that "few players will ever finish."The whipping post of the misguided, EA certainly has the portfolio to back up the tough talk. While they'll never stop the Madden mobile (and why should they?), titles like Boom Boom Rocket, MySims, Skate, Rock Band and Army of Two are fine examples of the direction Riccitiello speaks of.
